12/31/12 Spend New Year's Eve in Prospect Park!

Monday, December 31, 2012 at 11:00pm

Grand Army Plaza

Located at the intersection of Flatbush Avenue, Eastern Parkway, Prospect Park West
Brooklyn, NY
Subway: 2, 3 to Grand Army Plaza; Q, B to 7th Avenue
Bus: B41 along Flatbush Avenue to Grand Army Plaza, B69 to Grand Army Plaza

Cost: Free (fireworks)

For all ages

Start the celebrations off around 11pm with entertainment and complimentary hot refreshments at Grand Army Plaza. We can’t help you keep your resolutions, but we can get you off to a dazzling start! Best locations for viewing the fireworks include: anywhere in Grand Army Plaza, inside the Park on the West Drive, and along Prospect Park West between Grand Army Plaza and 9th Street.

New Year’s fireworks and festivities are sponsored by Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz.

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New Year's Eve Food Trucks
Monday, December 31, 2012 from 10:00pm to 12:45am
at Grand Army Plaza Arch (Union Street side)

Enjoy coffee, dessert, and treats from New York's best food trucks.
Mud Truck
Rickshaw Dumplings
Wafels and Dinges

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Brooklyn's New Year's Eve 5K Run
Monday, December 31, 2012 at 11:15pm

Starts at Prospect Park West & 9th Street

This is the only nighttime race in Prospect Park all year--see the Park in an entirely different light! The race starts at 11:15pm, leaving you time to savor a cup of complimentary hot chocolate and/or sparkling cider prior to the fireworks at midnight! Runners, walkers, and families welcome.

Packet pick-up begins at 10:15pm at 9th Street inside the Park entrance.
Registration prices: $25 through 12/23, $30 from 12/23 to 12/30, $40 race day.

Brought to you by Brooklyn Road Runners and Skechers. Register here >


http://www.prospectpark.org/visit/new-years-eve

12/31/12 New Year's Eve Concert for Peace with Harry Smith, Judy Collins + More @ The Cathedral of St. John the Divine

Monday, December 31, 2012 at 7:00pm

Doors open at 6:00pm

The Cathedral of St. John the Divine
1047 Amsterdam Avenue (at 112th Street)
New York, NY 10025
General Information: (212) 316-7540

Cost: General Admission seating is free and open to the public on a first come, first served basis. Doors open one hour before the concert begins.

Reserved seating is available at $75. Go to link below.

Cathedral Choir and Orchestra
Kent Tritle, Director, Cathedral Music, Conductor
Wolfgang Mozart, Coronation Mass
Ludwig van Beethoven, Choral Fantasy
Felix Mendelssohn, Verleigh uns Frieden (Grant us Peace)
Anton Bruckner, motets

Harry Smith, host
Judy Collins, guest artist

Jamet Pittman, soprano
Kirsten Sollek, contralto
Steven Fox, tenor
Peter Stewart, baritone

Anna Shelest, piano

Founded by Leonard Bernstein in 1984, the annual New Year's Eve Concert for Peace is a signature Cathedral event, gathering old friends and new for over a quarter of a century. The music, the candles, and the spirit of peace send audiences out into the chill January night feeling connected, uplifted, and ready to communicate and uphold that spirit.

https://web.ovationtix.com/trs/pe/9697458

12/29/12 Global Weekends -- KWANZAA 2012: First Fruits of the Harvest @ The American Museum of Natural History

Saturday, December 29, 2012 from 12:00 noon to 5:00pm

American Museum of Natural History

Multiple Museum Halls (Enter at 77th Street)

79th Street and Central Park West
New York, NY 

(212) 769-5100
Cost: Free with Museum admission (which is pay-what-you-wish)
For all ages

Join the Museum’s 34th annual Kwanzaa celebration to experience the rich traditions of Kwanzaa and honor the holiday’s seven guiding principles. The festival, hosted by storyteller Linda Humes, will include a special interview about Karamu (African Feast) with pioneering restaurateur B. Smith, family-friendly hands-on activities, and an international marketplace. Restoration Dance Theatre Company and Balance Dance Theatre, led by acclaimed choreographer Obediah Wright, will perform in an exciting program that also includes newcomers Soul Steps and Underground System Afrobeat.

Click here to learn how B. Smith cooks delicious Southern-Style grits.

Click here to watch Soul Steps dancers teach Bronx Students to be active and follow their dreams on CBS NY.

Click here to check out Underground Afrobeat System at the congahead.com studio.

The Presenting Sponsor of the Museum’s cultural programming is MetLife Foundation.

Support for Kwanzaa 2012! is made possible, in part, by the May and Samuel Rudin Family Foundation, Inc., and the family of Frederick H. Leonhardt.

Kwanzaa 2012! is co-presented with Community Works and New Heritage Theatre Works.

The Kwanzaa Marketplace is organized by the Harlem Arts Alliance.

http://www.amnh.org/calendar/kwanzaa-2012-first-fruits-of-the-harvest

12/26/12-12/28/12 Holiday Open House @ Queens County Farm Museum

Wednesday, December 26, 2012 through Friday, December 28, 2012 from 12:00pm to 4:00pm

Queens County Farm Museum
73-50 Little Neck Pkwy Floral Park
Queens, NY 11004
(718) 347-3276
Cost: Free
For all ages

Warm up the winter season with mulled cider, tours of the decorated historic farmhouse, and craft activities for children.

http://www.nycgovparks.org/events/2012/12/26/holiday-open-house

Queens County Farm Museum:
http://www.queensfarm.org/

12/25/12 Merry Christmas + Happy Holidays from nycfamilyfun!

Get wallpaper of holiday Rilakkuma, korilakkuma and kiiroitori:
http://www.san-x.co.jp/charapri/images/kabe/rirakkuma/10_1024_768.gif

12/15/12 Ice Theatre Presents Winter Suite @ The Rink at Peter Cooper Village (Stuyvesant Oval)

Saturday, December 15, 2012 at 4:30pm

Stuyvesant Town Oval
The rink at Peter Cooper Village

16th Street and First Ave. (Enter at First Ave.) New York, NY
Cost: Free
For all ages

Ice Theatre will present a free skating performance entitled Winter Suite, choreographed by ITNY Artistic Director Douglas Webster, to celebrate the upcoming holidays. Ice Theatre was originally also scheduled to perform for the opening of the rink in Peter Cooper Village, but this year the performance was cancelled due to Hurricane Sandy.

Some of the pieces and performers showcased will be:
* A special performance by US Champion and World Bronze Medalist Nicole Bobek.
Winter Suite, wich includes the following pieces:
* Carol of the bells: The Ice Theatre Ensemble consisting of Brent Bommentre, Patrick Connelly, Alicia Jackson, Andrew Lavrik, Kim Navarro, Andrew and Elisa Siegmund
* Silent Night: Sally Jeane Watkins
* Christmas Song: Kim Navarro and Brent Bommentre (World Ice Dance Competitiors and US Medalists)
* Blue Christmas: Michael Solonoski
* Let it Snow: The Ice Theatre Ensemble

http://www.icetheatre.org/calendar1.html

12/1/12-1/3/13 Gingerbread Extravaganza @ Le Parker Meridien

Saturday, December 1, 2012 until Thursday, January 3, 2013

Le Parker Meridien

119 West 56 Street (btw 6-7 Aves.)

New York, NY 10019

Cost: Free admission, donation requested for fundraising

For all ages

Marshmallows, Gum Drops and more! Check out the Gingerbread wonderland located in the 56th Street atrium of the lobby from December 1st – January 3rd, all created by local bakeries and restaurants. This year's theme is "Landmarks Around The World"

Purchase one ticket for $1 or 8 tickets for $5 through the concierge desk to vote for your favorite. Drop it in the box to be entered for a chance to win a 5 night stay at the luxurious Parker Palm Springs.

All proceeds benefit City Harvest, the world’s first food rescue organization, dedicated to feeding the city’s hungry men, women and children. To learn more, visit www.cityharvest.org.

http://www.parkermeridien.com/gingerbread2012.php

12/8/12 Family Affair: Holiday Party! @ Bronx Museum of the Arts

Saturday, December 8, 2012 from 1:00 to 4:00pm

Bronx Museum of the Arts

1040 Grand Concourse, (at 165th St)

Bronx, NY 10456(718) 681-6000
Cost: Free, however, children aged 12 & under must be accompanied by their parents or guardians

Round up your crew for an afternoon of seasonal celebrations, including art-making activities, eats and family-friendly tours of the museum's exhibits.

http://www.bronxmuseum.org/events.php

Ongoing Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays + Sundays Time'sUp! Offers Free Bike Repair Classes/Workshops and a Womens Only Class in Manhattan + Brooklyn Locations

On Monday and Tuesday nights in Manhattan, Time's Up!, a grassroots bike co-op, has bike repair classes which introduce basics of bicycle maintenance. Wednesday (Brooklyn) and Thursday (Manhattan) nights are open workshops where you can bring your own bicycle and work on it yourself with the aid of Time's Up! mechanics. On Sundays there are lessons and then an open workshop in Brooklyn. Time's Up! also runs a recycle a bike program which has recycled 1000's of bicycles and put them back into the hands of new cyclists. Time's Up! is always ready to accept your donations in the NYC area. These low cost bicycles can be purchased Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday after 2pn at the Time's Up! Brooklyn space. See their site for details, locations and hours.

Women and Trans Bicycle Repair Classes

Offered 6:30 pm every Monday at the Brooklyn Space

Come learn the basics of bicycle repair from female mechanics at a workshop designed by and for women. You will learn on their bicycles (you can apply what you've learned to your own bike on Thursday nights). No previous experience with bicycle repair required.

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Hours and Locations

Manhattan Workshop Location
156 Rivington St. (between Suffolk & Clinton St in Manhattan's Lower East Side) in the basement. (see map)

Manhattan Hours
Mondays, 6:30-8:30pm--Weekly Classes
Thursdays, 6:30-8:30pm--Fix-Your-Own-Bike Open Workshop

Brooklyn Workshop Location
99 South 6th Street in Williamsburg, off Bedford Ave right under the Williamsburg Bridge. (see map)

Brooklyn Hours
Sundays, 6-8pm--Fix-Your-Own-Bike Open Workshop
Tuesdays, 6:30-8:30pm--Women & Trans Bike Repair Classes
Wednesdays, 6:30-8:30pm--Fix-Your-Own-Bike Open Workshop

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Contact Time's Up! mechanics for any questions regarding workshop schedules, miscellaneous bike repair, donating to our wishlist or becoming a volunteer mechanic at: xupbicyclecoop@gmail.com.

http://times-up.org/index.php?page=bike-co-op

11/28/12 2012 Rockefeller Center Tree Lighting @ Rockefeller Plaza

Wednesday, November 28, 2012 from 7:00 to 9:00pm

(The Tree will remain lit and can be viewed until 11pm on Monday, January 7th, 2013.)

Rockefeller Center
30 Rockefeller Plaza (Fifth Avenue btw 49th & 50th Streets)
New York, NY
Cost: Free
For all ages

The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is a world-wide symbol of the holidays in New York City. This year’s tree will arrive at Rockefeller Center on Wednesday, November 14, 2012. During the time that the tree arrives, a giant crane will hoist it into position in front of 30 Rockefeller Plaza. Once the tree is in place, it will be decorated with more than 30,000 multi-colored, energy-efficient LED lights, and crowned by a Swarovski star.

The 2012 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree will be lit for the first time on Wednesday, November 28, 2012 with live and taped performances from 7–9 PM, at Rockefeller Plaza, between West 48th and West 51st Streets and 5th and 6th Avenues. Tens of thousands will crowd the sidewalks for the event and hundreds of millions will watch it live across the globe.

http://www.rockefellercenter.com/events/2012/11/28/2012-rockefeller-center-tree-lighting/

11/25/12 Celebrate México Now! Presents "Toys/Juguetes" by Cornisa 20 Theater Group @ Queens Museum of Art in Flushing

Sunday, November 25, 2012 from 3:00pm to 4:30 pm, 2012

Queens Museum of Art
New York City Building
Flushing Meadows Corona Park
Queens, NY 11368
(718) 592-9700
Cost: Free
For all ages

Toys Used by Cornisa 20 / Juguetes usado por Cornisa 20
Traditional Mexican toys come to life in this puppet show for families, followed by a hands-on workshop, where recycled materials are used to build toys for participants to take home.

About Cornisa 20
The group was created in 1992 at the Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico (UNAM). It is a repertory company performing plays on streets, puppets, as well as stage. Cornisa 20 has performed in many celebration days all over Mexico, Europe, Asia, Africa, Central and South America, and United States of America.

About Celebrate Mexico Now! Festival
Celebrate México Now is New York City’s first and only annual festival of contemporary Mexican art and culture. Encompassing cuisine, dance, film, literature, and music, Celebrate México Now provides New Yorkers with a glimpse of the most intriguing artists and ideas pouring out of Mexico today.

http://www.queensmuseum.org/10676/celebrate-mexico-now-presents-toysjuguetes-by-cornisa-20-theater-group

11/1/12-2/28/13 Ongoing Sundays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays + Saturdays Woodland Discovery Kit @ Charles A. Dana Discovery Center (in Central Park)

Ongoing every week on Sunday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday between 11/1/12 and 2/28/13

Central Park, Charles A. Dana Discovery Center
E 110th St. at Fifth Ave
New York, NY
(212) 860-1370
Cost: Free
For kids aged 8 to 12 and parent/adult/guardian

It's hard to believe that all of Manhattan was once a natural wonderland like Central Park. The Wild Garden: Discovering Central Park Woodlands is an interactive exhibition about the history and habitat of the green space. After touring the show, explore nature right in the middle of Manhattan. Just pick up a North Woods Discovery Kit from the Charles A. Dana Discovery Center and set out on your own adventure. The kit comes with binoculars, a hand lens and guides to identifying the different flora and fauna you may encounter. The activity is recommended for kids ages 8 to 12, but an adult with a valid ID is needed to sign out the kits. Special discovery journals are also available for $2.

For more information, visit http://www.nycgovparks.org/events/2012/11/24/woodland-discovery-kit-in-central-park

and

http://www.centralparknyc.org/visit/things-to-do/family-community/woodlands.html

11/22/12 Happy Thanksgiving from nycfamilyfun!

Thanksgiving Day
by Lydia Maria Child

Over the river and through the wood,
To Grandfather's house we go;
The horse knows the way
To carry the sleigh
Through the white and drifted snow.

Over the river and through the wood,
Oh, how the wind does blow!
It stings the toes,
And bites the nose,
As over the ground we go.

Over the river and through the wood,
Trot fast, my dapple gray!
Spring over the ground,
Like a hunting hound,
For this is Thanksgiving-Day.

Over the river and through the wood,
And straight through the barnyard gate!
We seem to go
Extremely slow,
It is so hard to wait!

Over the river and through the wood;
Now Grandmother's cap I spy!
Hurrah for the fun!
Is the pudding done?
Hurrah for the pumpkin pie!

11/22/12 86th Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Parade

Thursday, November 22, 2012 from 9:00am to 12:00 noon
See the parade live in NYC or on television on channel NBC

Parade Route

The parade will begin at 77th Street and Central Park West, moving down Central Park West to Columbus Circle. The parade will then turn onto Central Park South and head south on 6th Avenue until hitting 34th Street and turning west. The parade will conclude in front of Macy's Herald Square.

Be aware: there is no public or press access in the telecast area on 6th Avenue between 34th and 38th Streets and on 34th Street between Broadway and 7th Avenue. The south side of 34th Street between Broadway and 7th Avenue will has limited public viewing.
A good map is available at: http://gonyc.about.com/od/thanksgiving/ss/Macys-Thanksgiving-Day-Parade-Map.htm

* * * * * * * *

Macy's
See Macy's parade website for the route, FAQs, parade line up, puzzles & games, parade shop and previous years pics.

http://social.macys.com/parade2012_kaws/?cm_mmc=VanityUrl-_-parade-_-n-_-n#/route

Parade Hotline (212) 494-4495

Visiting NYC? Stop by Macy's Visitor Center on the balcony level to get an all day Macy's Visitor Savings Pass (10% off some items) or download from this link: http://www.visitmacysusa.com/visitors/savings.cfm

* * * * * * * *

fyi:

Official NYC Information Center–Midtown
810 Seventh Ave. (bet. W. 52nd and W. 53rd Sts.)
North of Times Square
(212) 484-1222
Subway: B, D, E to 7th Ave.; 1 to 50th St.; N, Q, R to 49th St.
Hours: Mon.–Fri., 8:30am–6pm; Sat.–Sun., 9am–5pm; holidays, 9am–3pm

Official NYC Information Center–Times Square Alliance
Seventh Avenue (bet. W. 46th and W. 47th Sts.)
(212) 484-1222
Subway: 1, 2, 3, 7, N, Q, R to 42nd St./Times Sq.
Hours: 9am–7pm daily (except Christmas Day and New Year's Day)

NYC's official website

www.nycgo.com

11/17/12 + 11/18/12 Icyfest Weekend: A Festival Dedicated to Gooey Fun! @ Brooklyn's Children's Museum

This event is a must-see for fun/curious kids and parents. The museum itself is very interactive and kids really enjoy it! Go for the whole day and make sure you visit Fantasia, the huge 21-foot long Burmese Python snake!

Saturday, November 17, 2012 and Sunday, November 18, 2012
Museum hours: 10am–5pm

Brooklyn's Children's Museum
145 Brooklyn Ave (at St. Marks Ave)

Crown Heights
Brooklyn, NY
(718) 735-4400
Subway: 3 to Kingston Ave
Cost: $9, children under 1 free

For all ages. See schedule below

Saturday, November 17

IckyFest!
10:00, for All ages
We're celebrating all things messy this year at IckyFest! Muck around at the mud pie table, feel friendly bugs crawl across your hand, and mix up a batch of fake blood and gooey snot. It'll be yucktastic and disgust-elightful!

Sensory Room Family Hours
10:00, for All agesOver, under, swing and rock as you explore our newest space at BCM. Unlock doors on our Sensory Snake or relax and read on our fluff chair mountain This is an inclusive space that engages children of all abilities. This room provides a welcoming environment for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Space is limited; availability on first come, first served basis.

IckyFest!: Icky Face Painting
11:30, for All ages
Sure, we can paint a rainbow or a puppy on your face, but why not ask for something icky instead? A slimy salamander? A creepy cockroach? Show off your icky side in style!

PlayLab Workshop: Heartbeat, Drumbeat
11:30, for 2 1/2 to 5 yr olds
Explore the traditions behind the drum, one of the world’s most loved musical instruments! Observe objects from the Museum’s collection, and discover why drums are sacred in indigenous cultures around the globe. Decorate your own drum made from recycled materials to take home. Preregistration required. Call 718-735-4400 X106.

IckyFest!: Fantasia's Feeding Frenzy
1:00, for All ages
Look for animal curators in the Science Inquiry Center, and see what's on the menu for our 21 foot-long, albino, Burmese Python, Fantasia!

MetLife Early Learner Performance Series: Annette A. Aguilar and Stringbeans
1:00, for All ages
Join us for the Afro-Cuban and Afro-Brazilian rhythms of Annette A. Aguilar and Stringbeans who also incorporate other music forms like Jazz, Folk and Classical musical as well! Made possible, in part, with public funds from the New York State Council on the Arts, celebrating 50 years of building strong, creative communities in New York State's 62 counties.


MetLife Early Learner Performance Series: Annette A. Aguilar and Stringbeans
2:00, for All ages
Join us for the Afro-Cuban and Afro-Brazilian rhythms of Annette A. Aguilar and Stringbeans who also incorporate other music forms like Jazz, Folk and Classical musical as well! Made possible, in part, with public funds from the New York State Council on the Arts, celebrating 50 years of building strong, creative communities in New York State's 62 counties.


Sensory Room Family Hours
2:00, for All ages
Over, under, swing and rock as you explore our newest space at BCM. Unlock doors on our Sensory Snake or relax and read on our fluff chair mountain This is an inclusive space that engages children of all abilities. This room provides a welcoming environment for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Space is limited; availability on first come, first served basis.

IckyFest!: Icky Sticky Goo
2:30, for 5 and under
Join us in pouring, mixing and stirring and create your own fun icky sticky goo to take home.

IckyFest!: Cut the Cheese!

2:30, for 4 and up
From the sharp and stinky to the soft and savory, sharpen your senses about the culture of cheese! Join us as we learn the world traditions and sample this aged moldy treat!


IckyFest!: Roving Animals
4:15, for All ages
Do snakes make your spine slither? Do bugs make your skin crawl? Face your fears and learn why these amazing creatures are anything but Icky!

Sunday, November 18

IckyFest!
10:00, for All ages
We're celebrating all things messy this year at IckyFest! Muck around at the mud pie table, feel friendly bugs crawl across your hand, and mix up a batch of fake blood and gooey snot. It'll be yucktastic and disgust-elightful!

Icky Face Painting
11:30, for All ages
Sure, we can paint a rainbow or a puppy on your face, but why not ask for something icky instead? A slimy salamander? A creepy cockroach? Show off your icky side in style!

PlayLab Workshop: Heartbeat, Drumbeat
11:30, for 2 1/2 to 5 yr olds
Explore the traditions behind the drum, one of the world’s most loved musical instruments! Observe objects from the Museum’s collection, and discover why drums are sacred in indigenous cultures around the globe. Decorate your own drum made from recycled materials to take home. Preregistration required. Call 718-735-4400 X106.

Claws, Tubes, and Tentacle
12:00, for All ages
Creatures under the sea might feel icky, but they’re fascinating too! Feel the tube feet of a starfish or the spines of a sea urchin, and touch the gnashing, thrashing Horseshoe Crab if you dare!

http://brooklynkids.org/index.php/visit/calendarofevents

11/16/12-2/10/13 Ongoing Daily New York Transit Museum's 11th Annual Holiday Train Show @ Grand Central Terminal

Friday, November 16, 2012 through Sunday, February 10, 2013

New York Transit Museum Gallery Annex & Store

at Grand Central Terminal, Vanderbilt Hall
15 Vanderbilt Avenue (42nd St. and Park Ave.)
Manhattan, NY 10017
Cost: Free
For all ages

Grand Central Terminal turns 100 in 2013 and they’re starting the party early with the eleventh annual Holiday Train Show! In a brand new layout built by Lionel, model Metro-North and New York Central trains depart from a miniature Grand Central on their way North on a 34’ long, two-level “O” gauge layout. Vintage model trains from the Museum’s collection will also be on display joined by stunning New York Central railroad posters harkening back to Grand Central’s heyday as the nexus of long distance and commuter train travel. Salute the Centennial with your very own Lionel Grand Central Express Passenger Set, unveiled and on sale at the Museum Store.

http://www.grandcentralterminal.com/event/new-york-transit-museum-s-11th-annual-holiday-train-show-at-grand-central/2145403601

11/12/12-12/24/12 Grand Central Holiday Fair

Tuesday, November 12, 2012 through Monday, December 24, 2012

Grand Central Terminal
15 Vanderbilt Avenue (42nd St. and Park Ave.)

Manhattan, NY 10017

Cost: Free

For all ages

Entering its 13th year, The Grand Central Holiday Fair is a unique New York City holiday shopping experience, and it’s the only holiday market in the city to operate indoors! 76 Unique Vendors with endless gift options.

Hours
Monday–Saturday 10am to 8pm
Sunday 11am to 7pm Closed Thanksgiving (Thurs. 11/22/12)
Christmas Eve 10am to 6pm (Tues. 12/25/12)

http://www.grandcentralterminal.com/event/grand-central-holiday-fair/2145403792

11/14/12 Author Event: Penn Jillette Reads "Every Day Is an Atheist Holiday" @ Barnes & Nobles - Tribeca

Wednesday November 14, 2012 at 6:00pm

Barnes & Nobles - Tribeca
97 Warren Street

New York, NY 10007

(212) 587-5389
Cost: Free
For teens & adults

Magician Penn Jillette (of Penn and Teller) joins us tonight to read from his hilarious new book, Every Day Is an Atheist Holiday.

About Penn Jillette
Half of Penn & Teller, the world-famous magic act whose long-running Showtime series was nominated for 13 Emmys, Jillette has also flown solo. His latest book gleefully stomps on Christmas carols, Halloween, children's over-the-top birthday parties, and more while recalling the finer moments in life. Wildly funny, but not for the honk-if-you-love-Jesus folks.

http://store-locator.barnesandnoble.com/event/77656

11/11/12 Honoring Our Armed Service Veterans

11/10/12 Jazz & Colors: A Free Jazz Festival @ Central Park

Saturday, November 10, 2012 from 12:00 noon to 4:00pm

Rain date (if necessary) will be the next day, November 11th, same time

Central Park
30 locations (landmarks) throughout the park, from 59th St to 110th St, (between Fifth and Eighth Aves)

New York
Cost: Free

For all ages

The first annual, November 10th Jazz & Colors mixes iconic Central Park, a classic Autumn in New York backdrop, and a unique concept featuring one set list, two sets, and 30 jazz ensembles—all performing their own variations at the same time.

Arranged by Jazz & Colors, New York City Parks & Recreation, and the Central Park Conservancy, the free event kicks off at noon and winds down by 4 p.m., with bands scattered throughout key points of Central Park (spanning midtown Manhattan to Harlem) for the public’s strolling enjoyment. They will set up and play at 30 well-known landmarks, among them the Naumburg Bandshell, the Delacorte Theater, the Harlem Meer, Duke Ellington Circle, the East Meadow and the Glade Arch. Other groups of musicians will play at the park’s major entrances and next to several playgrounds.

Some of the jazz ensembles include: JD Allen Quartet (at Olmstead Bed on the Mall), Jamie Baum Quintet (East 96th Street Playground), Kahlil Kwame Bell (the Arsenal), Lakecia Benjamin and Soul Squad (Pinebank Arch/Bridle Path), Marc Cary Quartet (Engineer’s Gate), Sharel Cassity Quintet (Glade Arch), Claire Daly Quartet (Wild West Playground), Mingus Big Band (Naumberg Bandshell), Jacques Schwarz-BartQuartet with special guest Stephanie McKay (the Dairy), and Yosvany Terry Quartet (the Pool).

http://www.centralpark.com/events/show/1429/jazz-colors

11/1/12 Hurricane Sandy Recovery Information (New York City)

Hello friends and family,

New York, New Jersey and the east coast has experienced the wrath of Hurricane Sandy. The recovery from the storm will be a long process, but I encourage everyone to help your friends and neighbors if you can. Bus service throughout NYC has been resumed. Some subway lines are working but some have limited service due to the flooded tunnels. See the link below for the hurricane recovery subway map as well as Brooklyn to Manhattan shuttle bus routes. ConEd is working to restore power to areas below midtown. Schools are closed today and tomorrow, although staff will report in tomorrow. Many libraries are up and running. See the list of open locations below.

The listed website has a good list of resources and links if you can volunteer or would like to donate. I've copied some of the info into this post. Please be safe and take care.

********************************

Find this page at bit.ly/NYPLSANDY

Find list of open libraries at nypl.org

	I need information If you need to find out what is up and running and what is not.
	Status of Regional Transportation alert.mta.info - look for Hurricane Recovery Subway Map WNYC Transit Tracker New York Area Service Updates from the New York Times Brooklyn to Manhattan Shuttle Bus Routes Live Traffic Map from WNYC Superstorm Sandy: NYC - Google map of shelter locations and detailed outage and transit information NYC OEM Severe Weather page - recovery information/updates Ask NYPL's NYC Community Information list on Twitter has news and recovery updates NYT State-by-State guide, including social media and online resources for live updates
	I need assistance If you have experienced property damage or need immediate food or shelter.
	Food and Shelter List of NYC Shelters, shelters will remain open until residents can safely return home Food Bank for New York City Food Program Locator Tap water is safe to drink, but if yours is out: Map of Water-on-the-Go Locations Wet and Dry Ice Distribution FEMA disasterassistance.gov 800-621-3362 (FEMA) Have the following information ready: Address, insurance info, SSN NYC Report property damage to your home or business Report downed trees online or call 311 or text 311692 NYC.gov Business Recovery Information Report Price Gouging Surrounding Hurricane Sandy to Public Advocate’s office Red Cross Returning Home After a Hurricane or Flood PDF (Spanish) Repairing Your Flooded Home PDF (Spanish) More information about disaster recovery, including how to check your home for safety issues and get finances in order for repairs. Separated from loved ones? Register/check Red Cross Safe and Well
	I want to help If you want to lend a hand to those in need.
	Give and Get NYC has ways to volunteer/donate with specific organizations  Follow Twitter hashtag #sandyvolunteer for suggestions nycservice.org recovers.org/communities has resource pages for several NYC neighborhoods. volunteer.foodbanknyc.org newyorkcares.org If you have programming or web development skills, join a Sandy CrisisCamp near you to build crisis response tools for the east coast.
	I want to donate If you want to know what to send and where to send it.
	According to FEMA, “the best way to support survivors of Hurricane Sandy is to make a financial contribution to the voluntary organization of your choice.” Visit Aidmatrix to donate cash, goods and services to specific organizations to assist New Yorkers who suffered damage from Hurricane Sandy.

See link/credits for all this info:

bit.ly/NYPLSANDY